DC Memories 1996

I have attended the following tennis tournaments at least once: Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Newport, the US Open, and Washington, DC.  I also attended the USTA 18 and Under National Clay Court Championships when it was hosted in Louisville, KY as well as an exhibition match between two former top ranked players in Lexington, KY.  I enjoy…

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Rafa is out of Canada and Cincinnati – Early Implications

Dinner Debate Earlier in July, I was eating dinner with my family and the topic of Rafa overtaking Federer’s 17 majors arose. I told my older brother I thought it was quite possible because I figured Rafa should conservatively speaking win 1-2 more Roland Garros titles and that would mean that a smattering of success…

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Reflections on Using a One-Handed Backhand

Jon Wertheim has recently mentioned how rare it is to see juniors at Grand Slam events using one-handed backhands.  I started learning to play tennis in 1985 and put serious time on my tennis game starting in 1989. In 1985 3 of the 4 Grand Slam titles were won by men with one-handed backhands.  In…

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Tennis and the World Cup: A Plan

The 2014 World Cup concluded and it as always was a major sporting event across the globe. Basketball and Baseball have added the Basketball World Championship/World Cup and the World Baseball Classic.  Each has been successful and will likely grow in importance.  Couldn’t tennis do something along these lines?  Shouldn’t tennis do something along these…

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Tennis Power Ranking 2014: Post-Wimbledon & Then Some

2014 Power Ranking #8 – Wimbledon Novak Djokovic – Nole and Rafa continue to play hot potato with my top spot.  Novak is now a two-time Wimbledon champion and a newly wed.  I think the wind is at his back for the hard court summer.  Novak was tennis’ most consistent player from 2012-mid 2014, but…

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Nick Bollettieri Enters the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Thoughts on Nick Bollettieri Nick Bollettieri’s impact on tennis is manifold.  Tennis fans obviously know the linear story of Jimmy Arias and Aaron Krickstein emerging as the early stereotype of a Bollettieri player with a big topspin forehand and perhaps a more limited serve, backhand and net game. Krickstein’s injuries undercut his career as he…

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Can Hewitt exact some Revenge on Karlovic for 2003?

Karlovic has been a hard nut to crack for Hewitt Lleyton Hewitt entered Wimbledon 2003 as the defending champion and as the top player of the New Balls generation.  His peers were making inroads prior to Wimbledon 2003. Juan Carlos Ferrero was an Australian Open quarterfinalist and won Roland Garros.  Andy Roddick was an Australian…

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A Quick Thank You to the Readers of Tennis Abides

Tennis Abides enjoyed its best run ever over the past 8 weeks.  I intend to keep plugging away and producing good content for fans of tennis.  The number of readers/visitors from the close of Masters Roma through Wimbledon has been amazing.  From covering Roland Garros and Wimbledon to talking about tennis instruction and doing product…

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